#1 Mesut Özil runs the show
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Many criticise the German for not showing his ability enough but against Sunderland, Özil truly controlled the whole game. The 28-year old ran the game from start to finish. He orchestrated Arsenal’s attacking play like a conductor at the Royal Albert Hall. A low-block Sunderland defence was never going to be easy to break down but Özil tried his best to shift the defence from side to side.
His movement and incisive through balls ensured Arsenal kept Sunderland penned into their own half all game. His persistence was rewarded when a lobbed ball over the top from Xhaka ensured he could easily assist Sánchez for the opening goal. The move was testament to Özil’s constant dangerous play and ability to elevate his teammates with him.
The German maintained a 90% pass accuracy throughout the game, creating 12 chances (the most created by a player in the Premier League since records began) and completing three take-ons. He was truly sublime, it’s just a pity we don’t see this side of him more often.
